About Us
A century of Jewish life in Reno
Nevada's first synagogue. Founded 1917, still gathering today.
Our History
From 1917 to today
On June 17, 1917, local Jewish leaders met and formed a committee to raise funds for construction of what was to become Nevada's first synagogue, Temple Emanu-El. Broad community support from Jews, businesses, politicians and those of other faiths — including a $25 donation from the local Baptist Church — provided construction funds.
We worshipped at our first synagogue from 1921 until the early 1970's, when we moved into a newly constructed synagogue at 1031 Manzanita Lane, Reno, Nevada 89509. This building remains our home, and since 1988, home to one of Nevada's Judaica libraries.
The Jewish community of Reno is proud of its wide-ranging contributions to the State of Nevada over the past 130 years. Temple Emanu-El is one of our great accomplishments, continuing to serve our Conservative congregational community for nearly a century.
A Living Cornerstone
Our 1921 cornerstone, our 2020s home
The cornerstone of our original 1921 building still bears witness to the founding generation. When the congregation moved to 1031 Manzanita Lane, Reno, Nevada 89509 in the early 1970's, the cornerstone made the journey too — set into the new building as a reminder that we are one continuous community across generations.
Mission
It shall be the mission of Congregation Temple Emanu-El to meet the diverse spiritual, religious, educational and social needs of its members within the framework of Conservative Judaism — and to further the causes of the Jewish People and the State of Israel.
Our Holocaust Scroll
Sefer Torah #1142 — from Czechoslovakia to Reno
Sefer Torah #1142 is on permanent loan from the Memorial Scroll Trust to our congregation. The scroll is an orphan from an unknown town in Bohemia-Moravia and one of the 1,154 surviving the Shoah.
It is read on Shabbat and on every Festival, carrying with it the memory of the community whose voices it once heard.
Across the years
A community in pictures
1948 — First confirmation class
1921 — Our original building
Today — 1031 Manzanita Lane
Volunteer
Be part of what we build
Volunteer opportunities abound at Temple Emanu-El. It's a pleasure to have help with programs, events, and cooking in our spacious kosher kitchen. If you wish to volunteer, enjoy participating in services, or have suggestions for lectures and speakers, we'd love to hear from you.